Jade and Barb from our Domestic Violence Support Service have been busy delivering workshops in conjunction with our Support for Young Children Affected by Domestic and Family Violence 0-8yrs. There will be one workshop per month for 12 months from July 2016 to June 2017. Various service providers are facilitating the free workshops designed for Early Childhood Educators and Teaching staff from the Hinchinbrook Shire.

These are the photos from last Saturday’s workshop on: Support for Young Children Affected by Domestic and Family Violence Aged 0-8 – Presented by: Act for Kids - Child Intervention Models.

For more information or how to participate contact Jade or Barb on 4776 1822 or by email: jade@hcsc.org.aubarb@hcsc.org.au

Men’s Health Week Sausage Sizzle.Wednesday afternoon we once again fire up the BBQ at the Hub, with Men’s health on the agenda. A small group of approximately 10 attended, which created a more personal atmosphere. Trevor Prior Jr begin by demystifying the "close the gap" program with his life journey. His story began two generations ago when his grandparents were relocated to Palm Island from different areas of Queensland. This changed their diet from their traditions types of food to the western flour and sugar diet. At that time nutritional knowledge was far from what we now know and understand about how the food we eat effects out bodies. Trevor being fit and living a healthy lifestyle didn’t realise the damage had already begun. Luckily for Trevor one day after he mowed the lawn for the Ambulance service in the town where he lived, they sat down for a cuppa and a chat. This chat saved his life. It was soon discovered Trevor’s artery were blocked one was 100% blocked and two others 80%. Now fully recovered Trevor enjoys sharing his story to help others start their own journey to wellness. When Trevor finished telling us about his journey Trevor Hulbert form the Ambulance Service in Halifax added that "the medical profession is just realising that people with type 2 diabetes generally do not know they are having or have had a heart attack because they don’t feel the pain that is usually associated with a heart attack". He went to explain people will instead describe it as a heavy feeling or as a pain in the back. Robert Candlish from Men’s Essential Solutions that specialise in solutions to erectile problems also presented to the group. I will admit this bit wasn’t really my thing but there was one thing that stuck in my mind that I’d like to share. Robert said most of these issues can be sorted out over other phone in just one call. Just one call fellas, bet you didn’t know that. Dave Willoughby also came along to promote social interaction with the Ingham Men’s Shed and how important being connected and accepted in the community is to mental wellbeing. Last but vitally important is exercise and fitness. This was presented by Luke Giudicatti from Terra Firma. Luke emphasised the connection between exercising and good mental well-being. When you exercise you are decreasing the stress hormones such as cortisol and increases endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural feel good chemicals, and when they are released through exercise, your mood is boosted naturally. As well endorphins, exercise also releases adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. These chemicals work together to make you feel good. Endorphins are defined as hormone-like substances that are produced in the brain and function as the body’s natural painkillers. During exercise, these endorphins are released, and this can produce feelings of euphoria and a general state of wellbeing. The endorphins produced can be so powerful that they actually mask pain. Physically active people recover from mild depression more quickly and physical activity is strongly correlated with good mental health as people age. Read more: http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/Exercise_Endorphins#ixzz4CTBJdV8L The evening was finished with a couple of raffles, a meat voucher was kindly donated from Halifax Meats and won by Juru Elder, Trevor Prior. Also pictured is Carlemo Wacando, Torres Strait Islander Elder.

Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre(HCSC), in partnership with Everglow Community Care Link and supported by Ingham State High School students, Probus Club and Sing Australia had our community buzzing with 132 patrons, volunteers and workers at COTA Qld Seniors 2016 event “Mini Olympic Fun & Games”. Thanks to COTA Qld and Queensland Government, Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre and Everglow Community Care Links Inc. we were granted funding to stage the “Mini Olympics Fund & Games” event. Blast off was 9.30am with Marilyn’s welcome, Santina’s fun and games directions and Probus card games announcement. Morning tea followed with Ingham State High School students, under the guidance of volunteer Michelle, serving yummy scones and pikelets loaded with jam and cream. Everglow’s torch bearer, Noel, led the way out to the games arena followed by all the games enthusiasts clapping and cheering him on his way. Gold, silver and bronze medals were fiercely competed for, creating great fun and many laughs. Indoor card games got underway with card players also showing great spirit trying for the coveted prizes. After the delicious lunch, again served by the students and volunteers, was enjoyed by all the free door raffle, with three worthy prizes donated by HCSC, Everglow and Probus, was well received by the grinning winners. After lunch, this great event was rounded off with two most entertaining choir performances. First up was the delightful Everglow Italian choir followed by Sing Australia choir.On behalf of HCSC and Everglow, I thank our partners and volunteers for their much appreciated contribution to this great event. All played a role in celebrating the contribution our older people have made to this community over the decades.